USA > Iowa > Dubuque County > History of Dubuque County, Iowa; being a general survey of Dubuque County history, including a history of the city of Dubuque and special account of districts throughout the county, from the earliest settlement to the present time > Part 16
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103
147
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
and sang with a power and sweetness never approached on a stage in Dubuque.
A special committee, consisting of Aldermen Quigley, Mason and Matthews, found that the indebtedness of the city of Dubuque on March 1, 1863, was as follows:
Outstanding coupon bonds. $ 682,000.00
Interest due March 1, 1860. 76,253.36
Interest due March 1. 1863. 204,600.00
Interest on short bonds, $97,000.
22,050.00
Outstanding short bonds, March 1, 1863 48,800.00
City currency and scrip out.
16,047.30
Due Rowan for central market
3.500.00
Due Harbor Company for repairs 3,951.61
Other debts and judgments.
7,250.00
Total
$1,064,452.27
The amount of bonds issued by the city for railroad purposes : Dubuque & Sioux City Railway Company, $200,000; Dubuque & Western Railway Company, $250,000. The Gelpeke Company brought suit to recover interest on the railway bonds for over three years. The county was interested to the extent of $200,000, which it voted the Dubuque & Sioux City Railway Company.
By the recent supreme court decision both city and county now had to pay up. This sad fact caused people to be despondent. War claims added to the crushing burden; yet in spite of all the city and county were prosperous owing to the flush of war.
In March, 1863, the air was dark with countless myriads of wild pigeons on many days. There was a big strike on the newspapers late in March, 1863; half sheets were issued. In the end the union which demanded better wages was forced to give up the fight.
In 1861-2 there were packed in Dubuque 8,315 hogs; in 1862-3, 13,285. In the latter year Burlington, Des Moines, Farmington, Fort Madison, Keokuk, Muscatine and Ottumwa packed more than Dubuque-a few three or four times as many.
In 1863 the mail distributing office was removed from Dubuque, which act was believed to be due to the opposition to the war shown here. John Hodnett had been and was yet connected with the Herald. D. A. Mahony and Stilson Hutchins conducted in the Herald one of the ablest papers in the West; they assailed the Lin- coln administration with ability, vigor and severity. The council in May declared cottonwood trees a nuisance and ordered them cut from city lots, streets, etc. A. Schaefle conducted a book bindery here in 1863.
Dubuque county warrants were at par June 8, 1863. A Sylvester's patent grain separator was the invention of a Dubuque
148
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
man. A dispute between the saloons and breweries was settled in May, 1863, by fixing $9 as the price of a barrel; elsewhere the price was $10. On June 1, 1863, Assessor Kniest reported in Dubuque 2,719 dwellings; families, 1,600; males, 5,998; females, 6,628; total population, 12,626; voters, 2,409; colored population, 65. Dubuque real estate was assessed at $1,893,000; personalty, $867,434. In a horse race at Bee Town between Kitty Clyde and a Bee Town horse for a stated purse of $700 a side, distance 500 yards, the horse won by four and one-half feet; it was said that over $8,000 changed hands as the result of the race; $100 green- back bills were numerous. On June 1, 1863, the Times was enlarged to eight columns. About this time the Chicago Times was suppressed by order of the military authorities, but after a few days was permitted to continue. D. N. Cooley, agent, called for the federal tax in June and announced that it must be paid within ten days or a 10 per cent penalty would be added. The board of trade was again organized in June ; it issued for a while the Commercial Reporter. Every cistern in the city was dry in June ; water haulers did a big business-15 to 20 cents below, and 25 to 35 cents per barrel above the bluffs.
"A Game of Ball .- The Fourth ward recently challenged the Third ward to try a star game of baseball for the championship belt. An enormous set-to came off lately between the clubs of the several wards. A very exciting and astonishing game was played. The Third ward after two hours threw up the sponge and the Fourth ward were proclaimed victorious."-(Herald, June 9, 1863. )
The "Up-town" club and the "Down-town" club were pitted against each other. In the former were Markell, Root. Cox, Blatchley, Bates, J. Ware, C. Ware, Donaha and Perigo, and in the latter W. Mills, N. Mills, Waples, Lewis, Bugh, Morgan, Pinto, Potter and Coyle. The "Up-town" won in July at the race track. They also played on the circus grounds near the Third ward school- house. Another club here at this time was the Key City. This was the first year that matched games were played.
The old cemetery at Dubuque consisted of twenty acres, about one-half of which was laid out into lots. It was not well drained, because a circular tract in the middle was lower than the surround- ings. It was thus thought best to secure another 20-acre tract lying immediately west and contiguous to the old yard. It was arranged that 70 per cent of the proceeds of the sale of lots should be paid to the owner of the land, and the other 30 per cent go to the treasury to be used in laying out the ground, fencing it, etc. To Alderman Kiene was due this successful plan of securing the new tract. Mr. Norris laid out the lots, etc. The cemetery thus laid out and expanded consisted of forty acres in a regular square, beautifully situated and commanding a view both of the Mississippi
149
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
and the city. The price of the lots was fixed at sums varying from $5 to $25 each. About four acres were set apart for a potter's field. The cemetery was named "Linwood" by the city council.
In July, 1863, drovers began to drive large numbers of cattle
across the river to Dunleith for shipment to Chicago. Immense herds of sheep passed through Dubuque, bound for farms to the westward. A hunting party in July killed over 100 woodcock on the upper river and another party returned from northern Iowa with over 300 prairie chickens. C. Brownson established a big tobacco factory here in July. At this time the following com- manded the highest prices ever known here-timothy hay, $18; best prairie hay, $15; slough hay, $12.
"Certain parties in town are figuring for the establishment of a national bank. If they succeed there will be two after the first of January next, as other parties have the same object in view."- (Herald, August 24, 1863.)
Late in July, 1863, boats under necessary restrictions passed down the river to Vicksburg and New Orleans. Considerable beer was sent down by Dubuque brewers; no mails were permitted on the boats. In September, 1863, during the fair the streets were lighted with gas and the press asked to have it made permanent. Several fast horses were at the fair: Young Bashaw, Tom Hyer, Kitty Hunt, Grey Hawk Morgan, May Day, Abe Lincoln, etc.
In October, 1863, Professor Steiner ascended in a balloon on Main street, between Seventh and Eighth; reached an altitude of 10,000 feet, passed southeastward down the river, was visible for forty minutes, and landed safely near Bellevue ; he used city gas to carry him aloft. A complete set of counterfeiters' tools was unearthed at White and Thirteenth streets in October; they doubt- less belonged to a gang that was convicted in 1859 and sent to the penitentiary. Telegraph poles were erected in November; they were for the new line west to Cedar Falls, etc. A large grey eagle was shot near Dubuque ; it fell into the river and was secured. The new postoffice and custom-house was about half finished in No- vember. The Brothers of New Milleray sold many fat hogs here and at Dyersville-110 such in November brought them $412. A panther appeared near Dubuque in the fall of 1863, and killed pigs, chickens, calves, tore a bull terrier to pieces, frightened women and children ; it evaded hunters who went after it and left the neighbor- hood ; it had been seen near Stewart's place. The southern part of Dubuque was called Dublin, the northern part Germany, and the center was called Babel. A carload of twelve fine elks passed through here in November, 1863, bound for the stock preserves of Victor Emanuel of Italy and brought $1,500 put down in New York ; buffaloes and antelopes were also shipped thus later.
"National Bank .- We learn that a national bank is to be started
150
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
in this city after January next by parties who generally succeed in what they undertake."-(Herald, November 29, 1863.)
On December 3. 1863, the telegraph line to Cedar Falls was finished. The freight blockade late in 1863 caused great loss to Dubuque business men. Mass meetings failed to improve matters. The old plan to drain the adjacent mines to secure pure water were again considered at this time.
The year 1863 saw much improvement in the city, more in repairs and ornamentation than in new buildings. There were no vacant houses. Among the improvements were buildings by Emerson Shields & Co. (Peosta House), Bishop Smyth, General Hodgdon, Capt. J. W. Parker, Richard O'Brien. Custom House, Dr. E. L. Clark, engine house at Washington Park, Woodworth & Jaeger's brewery on Lake Peosta, round-house for the railway, Plenis & Beach's soap factory, etc. Late in 1863 Dubuque newspapers received telegraphic dispatches several hours ahead of Chicago.
The large panther was again seen in Stewart's grove late in December. 1863; several hunters went after it but it had left the neighborhood. On January 7, 1864, the first mail from the East for a week arrived ; there had fallen deep snows and the cold was intense.
The coldest period since 1856 extended from December 29, 1863, to January 2, 1864. On the 29th it was 4 degrees below at 3 p. m., Io below at dark, and 15 below at 10 p. m .; on the 30th it was 29 below in the morning, 20 below at 3 p. m., and 15 below at dark ; on the 31st it was 21 below in the morning, and below all the rest of the day ; on January I it was near zero all day, but always below ; on the 2d it was 13 below at sunrise. 2 below at 2 p. m., and 6 below at 6 p. m. The 2d was the severest as a cutting wind blew almost a gale.
The Gelpcke case against the city and county for $650,000 and interest at 10 per cent went to the supreme court of the United States. It was on the railroad bonds issued in the fifties by both city and county. The recent decisions in the Iowa courts had led the people to expect that the bonds would be declared unconstitu- tional by the highest court. The case came up in January, 1864, and the supreme court of the United States held that the bonds were valid in the hands of bona fide purchasers. Several other cases of a similar nature were decided at this time-all mantaining the validity of such bonds. It was now seen that the city and the county of Dubuque would have to pay these bonds and accumulated interest ; this caused much despondency and in a measure checked the growth of the city. City and county were thus large stock- holders in the roads.
Hose Company No. I disbanded January 8, 1864. The Northi American Fur Company advertised for $20,000 worth of furs. The first mail from the West in six days arrived January 5. Eighteen
151
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
tons of wild game passed through to Chicago in one lot. Sporting men held several cock fights here in January. Two large wolves were seen near the city. Horses were raced on Lake Peosta.
Hogs packed in 1862-3 :
Brackett & Morse
5,935
J. Hughes 1,600
H. Brinkman & Co. 1,100
Mullally & Walsh
500
Quigley & Brown
500
Coates
600
Rosenberg
350
Strobel & Rath.
1,000
W. Lawther
100
F. Weigle
700
Tutwiler
200
12,585
Hogs packed in 1863-4:
Brackett & Morse 8,000
Curtiss & Parker 1,700
Strobel & Rath. 1,000
F. Weigle & Co. 700
H. Brinkman & Co. 600
Coates & Roberts, Nagle & Co., Dunn, Flynn & Conway 1,200
13,200
Bought and shipped from Dubuque. 25,800
Number barrels pork packed . 3,500
Number tierces lard. 1,300
Packed 1861-2. 8,315
A produce dealer here early in 1864 estimated the following receipts by wagon in this city for 1863: Wheat, 250,000 bushels ; oats, 50,000 bushels; flour, 25,000 barrels; dressed hogs, 20,000 ; pork, 5,000 barrels .- (Herald, January 26, 1864. )
Thirty tons of prairie chickens passed on to Chicago; they were worth $1.60 per dozen ; they retailed here for 6 cents each. Tschirgi & Schwind doubled the capacity of their brewery in January, 1864. In February the Herald was enlarged to eight columns.
On February 9, 1864, county warrants were 95 to 98 cents; city scrip dull at 30 cents; treasury notes at 1/2 per cent premium; national bank notes at a slight discount, because it could not be used in paying taxes ; gold, $1.57; silver, $1.47; demand notes, $1.58; Chicago exchange at par; New York exchange, 1/4 of I per cent premium.
I52
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Professor Agassiz delivered several lectures here on natural his- tory in February. On March 1, 1864, Mahony, Hutchins and Hodnett left the Herald permanently ; Robb and Ham took their places as editors and managers. "I need not say with what mingled feelings of pleasure and pain I make the announcement-pleasure that I am no longer obliged to fight a profitless battle, pain that I thus become virtually separated from so many brave, consistent. self-sacrificing Democrats," said Mr. Hutchins. "We do not enter upon the undertaking withont some reluctance and a full apprecia- tion of the duties, difficulties and responsibilities which the position involves. We shall endeavor to make the Herald thoroughly Demo- cratic in its principles and usages, dignified in its tone, candid in its opinions, reliable in its statements and particularly valuable for its news, always seeking the harmony and welfare of the party and the preservation of our free republican institutions," said the three new managers, Patrick Robb, F. M. Ziebach and M. M. Ham. Under the new editors the Herald was mild and agreeable to what it had been1.
"First National Bank .- We understand that a national bank is about to be started in this city in Molony's block where the State Bank formerly was. F. Hinds is to be president and H. M. King- man, cashier."-(Herald, March 4, 1864. )
In April, 1864, the local bankers, in mass meeting, agreed as had been done in Chicago to throw out all wild-cat issues after May I ; there were a few exceptions. The city was under Democratic rule in 1862 and under Republican rule in 1863. On March 31 wood was worth from $10 to $12 a cord-the highest price by far on record. At this date Congress appropriated $30,000 for the com- pletion of the custom house. City scrip was 40 cents on the dollar in March. Early in 1864 the canal convention was an important event ; it passed resolutions favoring a canal to connect Lake Mich- igan with the Mississippi. "Has the county a right to tax the city to secure a fund to be used in building bridges within the city limits?" was the main question early in 1864. Plans to commence a negro school were prepared in June. J. K. Graves bought the interest of Charles Aldrich in the Times in June.
"The First National Bank of this city opened today for business and issued its notes."-( Herald, June 20, 1864. ) Franklin Hinds was president and H. M. Kingman cashier. The first quarterly report, issued July 4, 1864, was as follows :
ASSETS.
United States bonds.
$128,150.00
Due from banks. 1,793.22
Circulation on hand. 54,400.00
Loans and discounts 2,000.00
Specie and other lawful money 22,654.89
153
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Furniture and fixtures paid
1,987.75
Exchange paid.
371.31
Total
$211,357.17
LIABILITIES.
Capital stock.
$100,000.00
Circulating notes received.
90,000.00
Deposits
17,395.61
Due to banks
3,906.90
Other items.
54.66
Total
$211,357.17
For the month of July, 1864, Mr. Jaeger paid a government tax of $12,573 on his distillery product. In the summer of 1864 it was proposcd to issue new bonds to take up the interest and floating debt and thus reduce the city obligations to system and order with a view to future liquidation.
"All that is now necessary to reduce the indebtedness within limits that can be readily met and liquidated is for the capitalists of the city to come forward and take the $180,000 or $200,000 in bonds which the Council proposes to issue and with which they can place our finances in a healthy and comparatively easy condition. These bonds bear 8 per cent interest and one-half of the city tax is pledged each year to payment of the interest, which is ample for that purpose."-(Herald, July 15, 1864.) This step was taken and the new bonds were issued August 8. On August 23, 1864, Mahony and Crane, trustees, deposited with Babbage & Co., bankers, $174,000 in railroad bonds and unmatured coupons. There were yet to be surrendered $26,000.
"In natural advantages, enterprise and improvements Dubuque has no equal in the state. Other things being equal, these are suf- ficiently attractive to insure her a leading and commanding position. But we are greatly and overwhelmingly in debt. Probably a million of dollars would not liquidate our liabilities at their face. This debt operates as an incumbrance in all property here or that comes here, and if our citizens are wise and consult their own interests they will not let matters rest in this condition any longer. Its principal creditors now propose a compromise by which the entire indebted- ness of the city can be paid with less than $200,000. But to do this the requisite sum must soon be raised. This the Council proposes to do by issuing bonds bearing 8 per cent interest and payable to the amount of about $20,000 annually. The project is liberal, safe and feasible and must not fail. About $80,000 in bonds have thus far been subscribed for, while some of our heaviest capitalists have as yet hardly stretched forth a helping hand. . The city
154
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
taxes now amount to about $80,000 annually. One-half of this is pledged to the payment of the interest and maturing installments of these bonds. The current expenses of the city are now reduced to the greatest economy compatible with efficiency and will not increase. Here then will be an unconsumed tax of $30,000 coming into the treasury annually not needed for either the current expenses or the sums falling due on the bonds, and this amount could be applied at once to the redemption of bonds before maturity. We venture the opinion that when this arrangement is completed and the city debt. all but this $200,000, is lifted, the aggregate value of property in Dubuque will be increased in a sum greater than the amount of the bonds."-(Herald, August 7, 1864. )
Nearly all bills except greenbacks had disappeared by August 10, 1864. City scrip sold at 60 cents in August. There was a great increase in crime at this date, due to an attempt to run the city without adequate police protection. In this emergency the marshal recommended an ordinance establishing a chain gang and his advice was accepted.
"The wife of the market gardener residing at Eagle Point gave birth in August, 1864, to twins which had heads and necks resem- bling snakes. In other respects they were normal. The physicians in attendance, it was said, let them bleed to death. A few months before this date her husband had frightened her by throwing a snake in her lap."-(Herald, August 21, 1864.) Later this event was confirmed by the Herald, and was published throughout the country. It was not generally known what became of the monsters.
Several baseball clubs were organized in 1864, but they did not flourish as they had in 1863. Two were called Key City and Hawkeye.
A committee of the city council in September, 1864, after due examination and deliberation, reported that in its opinion it had no authority to open a harbor on Third street as desired by officers of a packet company. The council thereupon passed a resolution instructing the harbor committee "to open a channel at the inter- section of Third street with the slough leading into the inner harbor and to build a bridge across said channel with a draw of sufficient width to allow boats to pass up into the inner slough, thus giving steamboats access to the inner harbor and levee, affording a safe and convenient place for laying up steamboats and barges in winter and also furnishing a convenient place for building barges and doing all kinds of steamboat repairs; that the committee be also instructed to take up the bridge which now crosses the inner slough at Third street and to fill up the channel under said bridge."
On November 29, 1864, $11.76 was paid for fancy dressed hogs. On December 9 the price jumped to $13.50. Five days later they sold at $14.06. "Pork has reached such a high figure that it is a luxury. Landlords talk of striking it from the bill of fare and
155
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
serving it only on important occasions. Who wouldn't be a hog?" -(Herald, December 11, 1864.) The First National Bank's state- ment of October 3 showed $208,837 in deposits; specie and legal tenders on hand, $117,414.22. It was thus in a healthy condition. In April, 1865, the German Savings Bank, with a capital of $150,000, opened at 57 Main street. Its president was J. H. Thedinga; cashier, William Fuchs.
In 1864 Rhomberg & Co., distillers, operated sixteen fermenting tubs, each with a capacity of 300 barrels; three high wine receivers of 200 barrels' capacity each, and could handle when working at its best 1,000 bushels of grain per day. This distillery was put in full operation late in 1864. Soon after the war the famous suit of the Government against J. H. Rhomberg & Co. for about $755,000 was instituted. The claim was that the Rhomberg company had manu- factured some 9,000 or 10,000 barrels of whisky or distilled spirits upon which it had paid no revenue. The property of Mr. Rhomberg was finally seized, but every step was fought in the courts. Other seizures were made here by the government agents. The case finally came up in the United States Circuit Court at Des Moines and a judgment for $103,000 was secured against Mr. Rhomberg. Green B. Raum, commissioner of internal revenue, said there was no doubt as to the justness of the government's contention; but Mr. Rhom- berg's friends here declared their belief in his innocence and assisted him all in their power. The best legal talent obtainable was employed in the case. In the end, after many years, the case was compromised.
Late in 1864 and early in 1865 the freight accommodations at Dubuque were so burdensome and extortionate that there was a general demand for a railroad bridge across the river. Numerous meetings were held, protests registered, and relief was demanded. The transfer system was robbery, it was declared. Numerous hold- ups, burglaries and shootings at this time roused the city and caused the council to take steps to end the reign of terror at all hazards. Haas', Bissell's, Bradley's, Johnson's, Woodworth's, Scott's, Hodg- den's, Taylor's and other residences were burglarized. The council ordered removed by April 17, 1865, all bodies in the old cemetery outside of the fence. During the fiscal year 1864-5 the Gelpcke interest was settled ; revenues were increased; the reign of terror was ended, and better transfer facilities were secured from the Illinois Central Railway Company.
On January 19, 1865, Dubuque was lighted with gas from Iowa coal for the first time. At this time Woodworth & Jaeger planned an immense distillery. The new Merchants' National Bank stock was all subscribed late in January. F. H. W. Sheffield became president and R. A. Babbage cashier; it began business May I. The branch bank here had a circulation of $283,837 and total resources of $859,465. Later this bank took steps to go out of
156
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
business and change to a national bank. Early in February the stock of the Second National Bank was subscribed and a charter was sought.
At the celebration of Washington's birthday in 1865 the right hand of George Higley was so mutilated by a premature discharge of the cannon that it had to be amputated.
The amount received by the city treasurer for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1865, from all sources was $50,208.53; total disbursements, $39,286.25. Of the expenses $9,894.59 was in old debts, principal of bonds and scrip redeemed. The total amount of old debt settled was $23.684.50.
On June 10, 1865, the early settlers organized as the "Early Settlers Association." The first members were P. A. Lorimier, John Simplot, George W. Jones, Jesse M. Harrison, S. M. Lang- worthy, A. McDaniel, Richard Bonson, J. R. Goodrich, N. V. Descelles, Mathew McNear, A. B. Harrison, B. F. Emerson, S. M. Lorimier, T. C. Roberts, A. Levi, T. S. Wilson, George O. Karrick, J. D. Graffort, Peter Waples, H. A. Wiltse, John King, J. H. Thedinga, Jacob Christman, M. McNamara, Joseph Ogilby, Nathan Simpson, J. H. Emerson, John Goldthorpe and C. H. Booth. This was the first list, but others were immediately added. Timothy Mason was elected president of the association, and P. A. Lorimier, Patrick Quigley, John King, Edward Langworthy and George W. Jones, vice presidents : J. H. Thedinga, treasurer, and C. Childs, secretary. Eliphalet Price, of Clayton county ; Ezekiel Lockwood, of Washington, D. C., and Patrick Quigley, Thomas McKnight and C. Childs, of Dubuque, were elected honorary members. They passed suitable resolutions upon the death of Lucius H. Langworthy. -(Herald, June 13, 1865.)
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.